They're off to a strong start by finding a quality successor to Byron Scott in new head coach Luke Walton. Scott was fired after guiding the Lakers to their two worst regular-season records in franchise history, so a change in leadership was certainly warranted.
Now it comes down to the personnel general manager Mitch Kupchak and Co. make available to Walton as the Lakers attempt to restore their historic organization to its former glory.
What follows is a breakdown of the latest Lakers rumors, including the buzz around their No. 2 overall draft pick and who they intend to target in free agency.
Lakers May Consider Jahlil Okafor Trade, But Likely to Keep 2nd Pick
ESPN insider Chad Ford responded in a Q&A to a fan's proposed trade involving Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor going to Los Angeles, along with Philly's top 2017 draft pick, in exchange for this year's No. 2 overall choice.
Ford said the Lakers "might" consider that because they loved Okafor while evaluating him for the 2015 draft, but he acknowledged that the price would be high for the Sixers.
Whatever the offer may be, there's certainly a scenario in which a trade like that could be pulled off.
L.A. would have the second and third picks from the 2015 draft in D'Angelo Russell and Okafor, while Philadelphia would presumably collect this year's consensus two top players in Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram.
Kupchak acknowledged the Lakers have a big need up front in a recent interview with TNT analyst David Aldridge:
If you look at our depth chart, you can make an argument that we need a player in the frontcourt. We need a big. Jordan [Clarkson] is a fr...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
